Across the pond

I have an alibi

Sam had walked home alone, witch he didn't mind much. It just meant he could listen to his music. He opened the door to his house and walked in, enjoying the temperature change from the humid outdoors to the air conditioned inside. He removed his headphones and was immediately hit with the sound of whining, he rolled his eyes a little; his new brother was his age yet he couldn't half throw a tantrum like a three year old.

Sam made his way upstairs where he could make out what Nick was saying, instead of just the rising and falling of his voice.

"But moooom I need her!" He yelled escaping Elliott's arms, making Sam flinch a little; he hated it when people fight.

"You will not have your phone for a week Nicky and that's final" Diane called from somewhere in the house, her voice oddly calm. Nick grumbled loudly and stormed into his bedroom, slamming the door. This made Sam jump, he hated people fighting and he hated doors slamming.

Luckily Elliot had noticed him "it's ok Sammy, he's just a little upset over his phone. How was your day?"

Sam's eyes wondered around the corridor, trying not to land on Elliott who was in just a towel "it was ok, maths was hard.. we had pasta for lunch"

"I'm sure you'll get the hang of it" Elliott encouraged with a cheerful voice "hay, if you want Diane and I can hire you a tutor?"

Sam thought about it, but he didn't really want to be a bother "um.. I don't know.."

"Well how about you think about it ok? You're a very smart young man.." Elliott put his hand on Sam's shoulder "and before I forget, Diane and I are going to our book club in an hour, and Leah is with her friends so it'll just be you Nicky and Judd"

"Ok, have fun" Sam smiled before going into his room.

He closed the door behind him and sighed in relief, no more chaos, he was home.

"Parents are leaving? You know what that means, you gotta throw a party!" Benji said, bouncing on the bed

"No, I'm not throwing a party" Sam said, busy getting changed

"Whyyyy? We never do anything fun!"

"Because A. I don't know many people. B. You need more than an hour to plan these things and C. I don't want to violate Diane and Elliott's trust" Sam listed

"What if you do accidentally throw a party and the guests trash the house. Diane and Elliott would be so mad! They'd throw you out, you'd be homeless and you'd still have to pay them for the damages!" Teto butted in

Benji swatted away Teto "fuckin bug." He sighed "guess we'll just have to find other ways to entertain ourselves...oo let's watch the sex scenes in 'Call me by your name'!"

Sam shook his head "Not in the mood Benji... Especially to read subtitles or I'd watch the whole thing again" he sat on the bed and opened his phone, his eyes darted towards a notification

"Hay look at that, Missy followed you back" Benji ruffled Sam's hair

Sam smiled "I think we're friends"

"You think? She's letting you read something of hers thats private, she is definitely your friend" Benji said, making Sam smile more

***

An hour later Sam watched Diane and Elliott drive out of the driveway. He smiled, enjoying the silence, wich was quickly ruined by Nick yelling something.

Sam left his room and walked to Nicks but to his surprise he wasn't there. He was walking down the hall when he noticed Diane and Elliott's door was open, curious he looked inside to find Nick was trashing the place